Harlequins set to bolster front-row with prop on Rassie Erasmus' radar

Harlequins have moved to strengthen their front-row after agreeing a two-year deal to land tighthead Sampie Swiegers from South Africa’s Pumas when his contract runs out later this year.

The Gallagher PREM strugglers have made Swiegers, 27, who led the North-West University Eagles to the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup title, their third new signing ahead of next season.

Northampton Saints and England full-back George Furbank has agreed to make the move from Franklin’s Gardens in the summer, while lock James Dun, who can also operate in the back-row, is arriving from Bristol Bears.

Swiegers was still relatively unknown when he was unexpectedly invited by Rassie Erasmus to participate in the first Springbok alignment camp in 2024, after they retained the Rugby World Cup in France.

He had attracted interest from Furbank’s current employers Saints and Sale Sharks, before they landed Cebo Dlamini from their United Rugby Championship namesakes, the Sharks, and Wales ace Tomas Francis from Provence Rugby.

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Gallagher Premiership

Bristol

08:30

28 Mar 26

Harlequins

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Swiegers, who is out of contract in October, has held talks with Leicester Tigers, according to South African media, but it would appear they didn’t go as far as making an offer, opening the door for Quins to make their move.

Quins have lost Scotland hooker George Turner to Newcastle Red Bulls and lock Stephen Lewies, who is moving to Durban next season after penning a deal to sign for the Sharks.

Meanwhile, Quins, who announced on Monday that Toby Booth is leaving the club when his short-term deal runs out at the end of the season, have announced a deal to appoint former Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Hunter as their new forwards coach.

Hunter spoke to Gloucester about becoming their forwards coach next season, where, ironically, a club-record 79-17 loss cost him his job with the Chiefs after only four games in charge at Sandy Park, after being promoted following Ali Hepher’s demotion.